Ftc Credit Report Rights
2010
How to Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report
Sometimes it starts with receiving a notice in the mail. In other cases, it may begin as a received phone call by a company claiming that you have an outstanding balance. The only thing that you are certain of is the fact that you have never done business with this company. Your suspicions are aroused and you phone your bank and check your credit report online. Suddenly you realize that you have been the victim of credit theft and fraud!
Credit theft and fraud can interfere with your personal life on a high magnitude once negative actions have been taken against your credit. You may find that you are unable to write a check at certain stores, have a sufficient enough credit history to rent that condo you always wanted, or receive financing to purchase your dream car. Thankfully, throughout the years, a great deal of emphasis has been put on the prevention of credit theft and fraud and how to prevent it. Once you’ve been victimized, however, what steps are necessary in order to regain what’s rightfully yours?
1. Collect Your Evidence. Print or request a copy of your current credit history from each of the major creditors. Notify them that you’ve experienced fraudulent activity and would like to place a fraud alert. This fraud alert is valid for 90 days. Get copies of notices from any businesses that are involved.
2. File a Police Report. Contact your police department and have them file a report. Be sure to have your ID ready, as well as all of the supporting evidence that you have now gathered.
3. Notify the FTC. If you have been a victim of identity theft, notify the FTC. This will allow the possibility of extending your fraud alert from 90 days to 7 years.
4. Make a File. Keep copies of all filed reports. Take written notes of whom you spoke to, what companies they represent, when, and what was said. Note any dates that you received or mailed any pertinent paperwork. Keep receipts for costs such as postage and fees incurred.
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